Decay

The lay term for carious lesions in a tooth; decomposition of tooth structure.

Deep Bite

Excessive overbite in which the upper front teeth hide the lower teeth.

Dental Prophylaxis

Scaling and polishing procedure performed to remove coronal plaque, calculus, and stains.

Dental Prosthesis

An artificial device that replaces one or more missing teeth.

Dentin

That part of the tooth that is beneath enamel and cementum.

Denture

An artificial substitute for natural teeth and adjacent tissues.

Denture Base

The part of the denture that holds the artificial teeth and fits over the gums.

Direct Restoration

A restoration fabricated inside the mouth.

Dry Socket

Localized inflammation of the tooth socket following extraction due to infection or loss of blood clot; osteitis.